Niger has secured more than 60.6 billion CFA francs (approximately $105 million) in financing from the West African Development Bank (BOAD), demonstrating that the country continues to benefit from regional financial institutions despite its withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The newly approved funding will support two major development projects aimed at strengthening agriculture and expanding electricity access across the country.
Of the total amount, 30 billion CFA francs has been allocated to irrigation development to improve agricultural productivity and reduce farmers’ dependence on unpredictable rainfall. The remaining 30.6 billion CFA francs will finance a 23-megawatt electricity project designed to increase power generation and support economic growth.
Although Niger is now a member of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) following its departure from ECOWAS, it remains part of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), allowing it continued access to regional financial institutions such as BOAD.
The investment is expected to enhance food production, strengthen energy infrastructure and contribute to the country’s broader economic development objectives while reinforcing the role of regional cooperation in financing critical infrastructure projects.
